In summary, our studies indicate that CysLT_1 receptor antagonism has a significant anti-airway remodeling effect in an animal model of human asthma. The reversal of established airway structural changes (i.e., increased smooth muscle mass and subepithelial fibrosis) by montelukast, but not dexamethasone, suggests an important role for cysteinyl leukotrienes in the immunopathogenesis of the remodeling process that is not modulated by corticosteroids. Clinical studies in patients with asthma to determine the alterability of established airway structural changes by CysLT_1 receptor blockade will be of great interest.
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